Your adventure begins at 9:00 AM sharp, departing from Belfast City Hall, Donegal Square West.
Carrickfergus Castle
Your day begins with a visit to Carrickfergus Castle, one of Ireland’s best-preserved Norman castles. Built in 1177, this formidable structure has withstood sieges by the Scots, Irish, English, and French over its 800-year history. Explore its thick stone walls, ancient battlements, and learn about its storied past. You can also find the statue of King William III, commemorating his land at Carrickfergus on June 14, 1690.
You’ll have the option to pay for entry and explore the castle or for those who prefer to stay outside, the castle’s surroundings offer plenty of charm and photo opportunities, along with a chance to grab a coffee to start your journey.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Viewpoint Only)
Stop at the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you’ll enjoy a stunning viewpoint overlooking the 75-foot chasm that separates the mainland from Carrick Island. While the bridge itself is not crossed on this tour, the viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the surrounding coastline, and the vibrant blue sea below. It’s a perfect spot for photography of the Northern Irish coastline.
The Dark Hedges (Lunch Stop)
Next, we visit The Dark Hedges, a tunnel of hauntingly beautiful beech trees planted over 300 years ago. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones will instantly recognize this as the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark made her daring escape from King’s Landing. Even if you’re not familiar with the show, the beautiful setting makes for an incredible photo opportunity.
While here, enjoy a delicious lunch at the nearby Hedges Hotel. Whether you’re fuelling up for the rest of the journey or simply relaxing, this stop combines great food with unforgettable scenery.
Dunluce Castle
This medieval fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean is one of the most breathtaking views on the tour. Dunluce is also famously known to Game of Thrones fans as the House of Greyjoy. The castle has a history as wild and stormy as its setting. Tales of betrayal, intrigue, and tragedy surround this site, which has inspired countless legends and writers.
You’ll have the option to pay for entry and explore the castle or admire the ruins from the outside. Either way, this stop offers a spectacular backdrop for photos.
Giant’s Causeway
Our tour’s highlight is the legendary Giant’s Causeway, often called the 8th wonder of the world. This unique natural formation features around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. However, local folklore tells a different tale, crediting the mythical Celtic warrior Finn McCool with building the Causeway to confront a Scottish giant Benandonner. Whether you’re a fan of science or legends, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see.
After an unforgettable day, we’ll head back to Belfast, arriving around 6:00 PM.